Hi-de-Hi everyone and thank you once again for joining me as I ramble on about films and television products from long ago, not to mention name dropping star names along the way.
Since we last met I have been up in the world as I was invited to lay a wreath at Aldenham School, which I believe dates back several hundred years. It was followed by an Armistice Day centenary meal, which was a stew served in those metal cans the military use when in trenches or on the move. It was all dreamt up by their art master young Paul, who has been there for 30 years and is a well known character at nearby Letchmore Heath. After the meal there was cheese and port wine. I think it is tradition to 'pass the port' to your left or right, and pour out your measure without the bottle touching the table. Alas, when it arrived in front of me it went no further but they did invite me. I was told the school has featured in several films including If, directed by Lindsay Anderson in the 1960s, and a version of Tom Brown's School Days starring Stephen Fry. Alas, one of the house masters told me the older students can no longer roast newcomers in front of an open fire or require them to serve morning tea in bed.
I was asked if I would ever publish a book containing my newspaper columns from the past 41 years. The answer is certainly not for two good reasons. Firstly, can you imagine how large such a book would be, and secondly they have not been kept so it would be impossible thankfully. Even today once I have emailed this article to the powers that be I delete it.
However, I was persuaded by the Borehamwood Museum several years ago to write a book about my memories of studio visits and star memories and illustrate it with about 200 photos from behind the scenes. All the profits go to the Museum and Elstree Screen Heritage, of which I am chairman of the latter. It is a large book and the hardback version amazingly sold out and several years ago it was reprinted in paperback. There are a few copies left and are obtainable via their websites or by visiting the museum. It is in a worthy cause and I am told it can really help if you have a wonky table leg.
I used to love organising film and television events from the mid 1970s onwards but I now no longer have the necessary get up and go as mine has got up and gone. However, I am always happy to attend and support any events celebrating the unique heritage of Elstree and Borehamwood. If you like those ITC television shows from the 1950s to the 1980s then may I give a plug to an event happening at Elstree Studios on Saturday, November 17. Elstree was home to many of these series. Think of The Saint, Dept S and Randall And Hopkirk Deceased, not to mention Danger Man and The Prisoner, shot at MGM in Borehamwood.
Profits are donated to a hospice charity so I will be there and it would be great to say hello to some of you. Thankfully I am just an extra at the occasion and there will be exclusive screenings and guest stars attending to to chat about their memories. For instance somebody I have the pleasure to know actor William Gaunt is one of the many names attending. I know many of you will remember William starring in two 1960s television series shot in Borehamwood. The first was Sergeant Cork, shot at ATV, and the other was The Champions, shot at Elstree. To buy a ticket you do have to visit one of two websites. The first is www.theunmutual.co.uk or www.quoit@quoitmedia.co.uk
If you are a fan of nostalgia then I must also recommend joining two pages on Facebook. They both celebrate the history of film and television in Borehamwood. They also provide news of events being planned. The first is Elstree Screen Heritage; we never publicise it but we have 680 members online. I must also mention the Facebook page for the MGM (British) Borehamwood film studios memories that has an amazing 1,800 followers .
Finally I must thank Ruth of New Barnet for her lovely hand written letter and her kind comments. Ruth is only 87, but to take the time to write to me and post the letter in this era of emails and texts made me feel humble. Until the next time you take of yourself.
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